The X-Men: Days of Future Past director, the 48-year-old Bryan Singer, has finally responded to the sexual abuse allegations and bowed out from the upcoming press tours to promote the film.

“The allegations against me are outrageous, vicious and completely false,” said Bryan Singer, Variety reports. “I do not want these fictitious claims to divert ANY attention from X-Men: Days of Future Past. This fantastic film is a labor of love and one of the greatest experiences of my career. So, out of respect to all of the extraordinary contributions from the incredibly talented actors and crew involved, I’ve decided not to participate in the upcoming media events for the film. However, I promise when this situation is over, the facts will show this to be the sick twisted shake down it is. I want to thank fans, friends and family for all their amazing and overwhelming support.”

A man named Michael Egan claims that, back in 1999, the director sexually abused him and gave him drugs and alcohol when he was just 17 years old.